The Ninth Fantasy - Gaia

by MrAlterad

10. Song of Memories

Garnet sighed as she looked out the window down into Lindblum. She wanted to walk through it, see what the commoners see, take in the sights and smells. Instead, she was kept inside the castle, like a sheltered princess. And while it was for her own protection, naturally, she didn't like it. Many people were coming to Lindblum for the Festival of the Hunt tomorrow, and many were still working to get things ready. At least that's what it looked like from her view.

“Spike,” she began as she looked to him, “wouldn't you rather be out there, with Applejack, than being stuck here with me?” Not that she wasn't appreciative of his company. He proved himself to be a very capable assistant, having managed her robe for her. She enjoyed talking to him, as being royalty was a lonely affair, but felt he would have more fun in the city than with her. He looked to her, giving her a toothy grin.

“If I was out there, then you'd be alone. It's no fun being alone.” He admitted, sounding wiser than his age suggested. “So, Garnet, whatcha do for fun? Twilight loves to read, do you?” She considered his words a moment.

“This Twilight, she's a friend of yours?” If he was going to keep her company, she was going to gladly accept it. I, I could use the distraction.

“Yep!” he heartily replied, “she's a princess as well, though she wasn't always one.” Her eyes widened at the notion, now realizing why Spike was so practiced at aiding royalty. “Twilight's very good at magic, and she's smart. She was also the one that hatched my egg.” He then sighed a little as he reflected on her. “She can be a little crazy sometimes. She always ends her to do lists with double and triple checking the list!” Garnet found herself smiling as she nodded.

“Sounds like she's very important to you, and a very diligent ruler.” Spike quickly shook his head in reply.

“I wouldn't call her a ruler, but when things go bad, she'll always be there to try and fix it!” he finished with a nod of his head, then looked downcast. “I, I really miss her.” Seeing the bubbly dragon looking sad made her heart ache.

I truly hope Cid can find something to help these two return home. She thought, sighing again. So, this Twilight had a hands on approach? My mother may very well be going to war, and I'm just sitting here, doing practically nothing, she sighed once more as her eyes fell back to the city.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ATE: Empty Home
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zidane sighed as he found the inside of the building was empty. The place had articles left behind from his friends, the articles patiently waiting for the rest of Tantalus to return to the nest. He hadn't expected the rest of the gang to have returned by now, but he still found it sobering to see the building empty.

Well, at least I now know about Super Soft. He thought as he leaned on the interior wall. His search for information had payed off, and he came to learn that a noble in Treno had a remedy to cure Blank of his petrification, Super Soft. Once Applejack returns, we can leave for Treno...

Despite what the mare thought on the matter, Zidane intended to help her and Spike get back home. He had spent some of his time looking for info on Equestria. However, his search had been a waste of time. Still, he hoped that maybe he could find something in Treno, maybe some book worm or teacher would know of something. As he leaned there, a troubling thought came to mind, What if the means for them getting back lies in Equestria, not Gaia?

He stood in the empty structure for a couple minutes, considering that and also what's recently transpired. Then his thoughts wondered to more infatuated thoughts as he adopted a light smile, I wonder if the princess misses me? He considered it a moment, then shook his head. She was a princess, he assumed it would probably be best if they didn't see each other again.

“See, I told you he was back!” A young voice exclaimed from the doorway. Looking over, Zidane saw a young boy, a child wishing to join the gang, and behind him was his sister.

“No way~,” the young girl commented, “Welcome back Zidane! Just so you know, we're members now!”

“Is that so?” Zidane asked playfully as he approached them.

“Uh huh, Baku said we could join if we found treasure, lookie!” The young boy presented a couple of feathers to Zidane. His eyes widened as he took them in, as if they were a great artifact.

“Wow! Trick Sparrow feathers! I guess that means you're in!” Zidane claimed, they weren't actually a treasure, but that didn't stop him from making the two happy.

“So how'd it go, did ya get the princess?” The young girl asked.

“That's right, she's in the castle right now.”

“Was she pretty?” The boy asked, Zidane nodded.

“She probably misses you,” the sister said, blushing lightly, “Oh! You should see her!” She suggested, and Zidane considered it for a moment. He smiled as he looked to them before chuckling.

“You know, I think I just might do that. You two be safe, stay out of tomorrows festival, 'kay?”

“Okay~” They answered in unison. The sound of the mid-afternoon bell ringing out over the district followed Zidane as he left for the castle.

Just because she's a princess, doesn't mean I don't have a chance, right?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A bell range from the theater district. Hearing it made Garnet feel all the more melancholic. She couldn't stand sitting around like this. The guards wouldn't even let her in the library, where she wanted to gather information. She wanted to look into Equestria to occupy her time-

She frowned at her own shortsightedness. Though she may not be able to learn anything about Equestria from the library, she did have a good source of information sitting near her.

“Spike,” she began as she turned to him, “could you tell me more about Equestria, and your friends?”

“Oh certainly! Where to start?” He said excitedly, “Well, first there's Rarity...”

The better part of an hour later and Garnet found herself with a great deal on her mind. She'd asked to be alone and left Spike in the room while she considered what he told her up on Lindblum's highest tower.

The tower itself was an observation platform with a large telescope that looked over the misty lands of Lindblum. There was a small garden atop the tower, making it a nice and peaceful place to think.

A princess that raises and lowers the sun, and another for the moon. Earth ponies, pegasai, unicorns, griffins, minotaur. It truly is another world! How does one go about finding their way back to another world? The princess heavily doubted Cid had anything on Equestria. Lindblum was all about technology, but traveling between worlds sounded like something only magic could accomplish. Mother had some means of making dolls that wield magic, would she know something about this? She looked over the edge of the tower, overlooking the mist covered valley far below Lindblum.

That strange man that was prowling around the castle lately, what was his name again? Something about that man feels dangerous, is he involved in all this somehow. She frowned at nothing in particular as she looked off to the South Gate, trying to see the lands beyond it. I need to return to Alexandria and find out more!

The fact that the two Equestrians were even here means there's some way for them to return, but she doubted the answer would be found in short order. If Cid really doesn't find anything, she'll have to break it to the two of them. Distracting herself from the notion, she started to hum an old melody from her childhood.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ATE: A Dragon and his Treasure
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spike wandered the castle, thinking about home. While there were a lot of differences, he couldn't help but see the castle resembling Canterlot. Talking about home to the princess made him feel all the more homesick after she left to be alone. He wanted to see Twilight, he wanted to help her organize her books, work her check lists, do silly things with magic.

He cradled the red gem that let him teleport, that reminded him of Twilight, and after a small number of hops, found himself on the tallest tower of the castle. He could hear Garnet singing, he hadn't expect that this was where she was, and quietly gave her some distance.

Going down to the level below the top floor, he stood next to an opened stain glass window. He sat himself in the window sill as he overlooked the city, listening to the princesses' song as he thought about home, and the ponies he dearly missed-

“Oh hey there,” Zidane said, making Spike jump as he looked to the blue and blond rogue.

“Oh, hey Zidane,” Spike then blinked when he saw Zidane was alone. “Where's Applejack?” Seeing Zidane was a nice distraction from his thoughts, but he really wanted to see the orange mare right now.

“Well...” Zidane began as he explained recent events. Spike, at first, was more then interested, and by the end of it, was bursting with excitement.

“Pinkie's here? That's awesome!” A thought suddenly occurred to the dragon, and he hopped off the sill and moved to his friend. “Zidane, do you have some extra gil I could borrow? There's something I need to get ready for Pinkie for when they get back!” Zidane smiled as he gave the dragon some gil. Spike then asked Zidane to tell Garnet where he went, “I got a surprise in mind, so look forward to it!”

He then teleported down closer and closer to the city, forgetting about his assistant duties. That pink pony is gonna need some party supplies when she arrives, there's a festival tomorrow! The excited dragon thought to himself, looking forward to seeing his favorite pink pony.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Garnet's song had attracted a flock of doves to gather near the ledge she overlooked, as she sang, she felt a little envious for them. Garnet heard footsteps from behind her and saw Zidane approaching, the doves flying off as he did so. She watched them fly off, barely hiding her envy. I wish I could just fly away, do what I want and need to do, instead of being trapped here.

“That was a nice song,” he said. Though she appreciated the compliment, she wasn't in the mood to talk with him.

“How did you get up here?” She asked, masking her annoyance. “This is a restricted area.”

“Come on, I do this for a living,” he replied with a proud grin. She sighed as she turned to him.

“Oh, right. It must have been easy for you.” If only I could manage that. He can do whatever he pleases, a rogue full of confidence and determination. I can't just stand by and do nothing, maybe I should try being more like Zidane, or Twilight. Lost in thought, Zidane was looking at her with a confused expression. Looking troubled by the awkward silence, he took a look around.

“Man, what a view,” He observed as he cast his gaze over the lands of Lindblum. He glanced to her before looking to the telescope. “Hey, a telescope! Let's go check it out,” he said with his usual enthusiasm, and he went over to it. Seeing Garnet not following him, he beckoned her over. I suppose I should humor him, he's done so much for me after all.

As Zidane looked through the telescope, the princess couldn't help but wonder what she should do. I didn't even need to run away from Alexandria, Cid was already working on getting me out of there, and he already knew what I came to tell him. I've been such a bother to everyone. I, I just feel so useless right now! I couldn't help mother, and now I can't even help myself!

“What's wrong?” He asked, clearly worried by the expression Garnet was wearing. He worked with Tantalus to get me out of Alexandria, was it just his job?

“Zidane, why did you help me come here, to Lindblum? Was it because Baku told you to?” She wanted to vent her frustration, and was looking to Zidane to set himself up for it. He shook his head.

“I just wanted to help you. That's all. Baku didn't agree with me, so I ended up leaving the group,” he replied, surprising the princess.

“What!? Really? I, I'm so sorry,” her disbelief momentarily dispelled her frustration.

“Don't worry about it. It isn't the first time I've left.” He left, just like that? Now she was even more envious of him. Her kingdom was in danger, her people at risk, and the people of the other nations as well. Her mother was up to something bad, and she needed to act. Building up her resolve, she got to work on an idea on how to return to Alexandria, knowing that she would get no help from the others.

“Zidane... Uh, how were you planning to abduct me?” She asked, looking for some inspiration. He looked to her a little surprised as he took on a contemplating look.

“Well, we were going to knock you out with sleeping weed, then kidnap you. A good sized dose can knock out an adult. We were going to lace it into your tea.”

“I see. I guess you didn't need it since I came along on my own,” hearing that, her idea came together, “Um, Would you mind giving it to me? I've been having trouble sleeping lately.”

“I don't think that's a good idea,” he started, surprised by her request, he gave her the plant and added, “You might get addicted. Maybe all you need is some company, eh?” The suggestion immediately irritated the princess.

“Oh please, do you think I'm that naive?”

“You can't blame me for trying,” he said with a sheepish grin. Seeing her un-amused expression, he quickly tried to change the subject.

“Umm, err, that song! It sure was nice, what's it from?” She glared at him, then her expression soften as she let go of her anger.

“I'm not sure, I can't remember where I learned it. I sing it when I feel sad or lonely. It comforts me, and reminds me that I'm not alone.”

“It must be a mystical song, mind singing it again? I really liked it,” he asked of her, and she saw no reason to object.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ATE: The Missing Warrior
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Uh, Pinkie, I don't think that's how yer suppose to use the sword,” Applejack commented as the last monster perished. Pinkie grabbed the Broadsword Applejack use to use and loaded it back in the cannon, then turned to the orange mare with a confused look.

“Well, how am I suppose to use it, Jackie?”

“With yer mouth- erm, hooves- oh,” she paused, appraising her hooves and noticing the bite marks working into the blade's handle. “I guess we ponies don't have a right and proper way,” Applejack admitted as she frowned at her own blade.

“I know, right? Oh! Oh! Freya, that reminds me. Did you come back to party with good ol' little itsie witsie me?” She asked with unhinged excitement, as she bounced around the knight.

“For the third time Pinkie, no. Applejack was looking for a friend, and I was able to help her, so I did, that's all,” the red warrior replied.

“Right, you helped because you miss your lovey dovey special somepony!” The pink mare exclaimed as she circled Freya.

“I- I don't recall telling either of you that!” Freya replied, losing her composure.

“Ah- Ha! I knew it~” The pink one exclaimed, donning a detectives hat and bubble pipe. Applejack gave the lancer an apologetic look as Freya almost stammered to regain her composure. It's no wonder Freya had left the pink mare alone in the marsh after their first encounter.

“So, um, yer lookin' for somepony, err, somebody ya really like?” Applejack asked bashfully. Freya's shoulders sagged, Pinkie was annoying, but Applejack was respectable, she couldn't refuse her curiosity. Regaining her composure, she answered the orange mare.

“Sir Fratley, a dragon knight like myself, he was my betrothed. Five years ago he went out to explore Gaia, leaving our country behind. I couldn't stand not having him by my side, so I followed after him. I've chased after rumors of his presence, and of his passing, but in these five years, I haven't found him.”

“Don't you worry Freya-meya. You'll run into him soon, and I'll have a party ready for you when it happens. You can count on me! Pinkie promise.” The mare said as she put a hoof over her eye.

“What makes you so sure?” Freya asked.

“Because you have somepony helping you! Four eyes are better than two, and if finding him will get a smile out of you, then I've gotta help! So, it's a promise!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So, Dagger,” Zidane started as her song drew to a close, “If I win first place in the festival tomorrow, how about you and me go on a date, sound good?” He asked her, making her appraise him in surprise.

“What? A date? What does that have to do with anything?” Where did that even come from? The entire notion of a date between a princess and a vagabond was incredulous to her.

“Come on, it'll be fun,” he insisted. Maybe I should humor him, if he does win, then I'll simply hope I can get my plan together before I have to follow through.

“Fine,” she replied, giving him the answer he wanted, making him smile.

“Alright, it's a date!” Zidane made to leave, but remembered something important. “I've got some interesting news. Apparently another pony was spotted in the marsh, Applejack went to go find her with a friend of mine. Spike ran off to go buy something after I told him, he was very happy to hear the news.” That brought a smile to Garnet's face, Glad to hear that, good for Spike and Applejack. Another Equestrian huh? Oh, I wonder.

“Did you catch the name? Is it one of their friends?”

“Yea, someone named Pinkie Pie.” Oh my, the eccentric party planner? She thought as she adopted a worried look.

“Another one from the world of Equestria, I wonder what's going on that's sending them over here.” Garnet wondered, more answers for her to gather, back home, in Alexandria. Zidane seemed to consider something before addressing her again.

“If they hurry, they'll be back by nightfall, I might just wait for them at the Dragon's Gate. Till then, I'm gonna get ready for tomorrow, see you at the date, Dagger.” He said, skipping a little as he turned and left. He called her Dagger, the name she gave herself, and it made her a little happy.

Shortly after her left, she abandoned the tower as well, and went off to look into the kitchen. She had a plan to put together, and not much time to act upon it. Tonight wouldn't be the best night to put it into motion, but tomorrow, for the Feast of the Hunt, would be the best time to pull it off. Getting everything together, the princess put her plan into motion, she had to return to her kingdom.

---

~~~~~~~~~~~
Moogle Notes:
~~~~~~~~~~~

'Howdy Equestrian, Mois the moogle here with some more notes about Gaia!'

'Spike teleporting around can be annoying for me sometimes, but I never lose track of his general position. We moogles have a locating spell for finding others, it really helps with our mail delivering!'

'Dagger has a set of spells called summons which call forth powerful entities to destroy her enemies, and as you can see, it's very taxing to use.'

'It's rough, being royalty that actually cares about their nation, huh? Kupo~'

~~~~~~

Dagger

~~~~~~

Items Equipped:

Rod: Cure(mastered), Panacea(mastered), Protect(mastered)

Steepled Hat: Protect(mastered)

Wrist: Flee-Gil

Silk Shirt: Cure(mastered), Thunder

Lvl-8 HP 250/250 MP 62/62

AP 18/18

Abilities:

White Magic:

Cure 6 MP: Restores HP of single/multiple targets.

Panacea 4 MP: Removes Venom and Poison.

Protect 6 MP: Reduces damage from physical attacks.

Summon:

Shiva 96 MP: Causes Ice damage to all enemies.

Ifrit 104 MP: Causes Fire damage to all enemies.

Atomos 128 MP: Reduces all enemies HP. Amount varies on targets HP.

Odin 112 MP: Causes KO to all enemies.

Bahamut 224 MP: Causes Non-elemental damage to all enemies.

Author's Note:

ATE's! It's a thing! Also, Garnet/Dagger is important too! Next chapter, Spike, Festival of the Hunt! Woot!

Also, ATE OVERDRIVE! All the ATEs, all the time!
Thanks again for reading! And thanks to OCisbestpony for editing!

Comments

[Ledgion]

Can't wait for the Festival. Is Pinkie going to take part too? Using her party cannon?

[MrAlterad]

5195354 Is Pinkie going to take part?
All I have to say about that is

[Ledgion]

5195389

Squee! I didn't say this before, but I'm liking how the mist is affecting Pinkie. I hope she comes out alright in the end mind you, but knowing what's coming up soon, I'm actually worried. They've all never really seen a huge loss of life, and Pinkie is probably the most fragile of the mane 6; even Fluttershy would be able to handle 'the feels' better.